“Tired” Charlton found a way to win against Cambridge United – Jason Pearce
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton skipper Jason Pearce was pleased that the fatigued Addicks found a way past Cambridge United.
A brace from Conor Washington saw the South Londoners extend their unbeaten run at The Valley to seven games in all competitions – but it was far from straightforward.
The U’s offered much more resistance than Ipswich Town had in midweek and would have extended their run of scoring in every away league game this calendar year if it wasn’t for the inspired form of Charlton stopper Craig MacGillivray.
Pearce reckons that Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the Tractor Boys had taken its toll on the squad.
He said: “It was a tough game. They came here off the back of a 5-0 win against Cheltenham and we knew it was going to be a tough game. The boys gave everything in the previous game against Ipswich and I know quite a few of the boys, including myself, were quite tired out there today. But we found a way to win which was important. We got the result we wanted and we move on.
“As a team we’re delighted. We want to keep working on getting clean sheets. Macca will probably say himself that in the last couple of games he hasn’t had much to do fortunately but today he was called into action and what a save. A couple of saves, to be fair. He’s a real good keeper and when he’s called upon, he does great for us. It’s a real team effort at the minute and we’re striving to get up that league and to where we think we should be.
“I wanted to try and play this season. I’ve worked as hard as I can to try and get into the team. Been patient. Everyone knows I try and give my best every single game. I’m enjoying my new role in the middle of a back-three. Trying to lead the boys. Hopefully I can continue.
“[Washington] works so hard up there for the team. [Johnnie Jackson] has come in and he wants to high press and make it difficult for teams to play out. Having him up there is great. I’m not just going to single out him. Everyone in the team is putting the work in, I think that’s why we’re a little bit tired today. It’s important we got the result but we had to dig it out today.
“Walking out in front of the crowd at the minute with the amount of people coming to games has been brilliant. The atmosphere and the noise whilst we’re playing – they’re really getting behind us. It’s been great and a big help to us as a team. We love it. Long may it continue and thank you to the fans that are coming.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS